The diamond drill., 1887-09-17

The men succeeded In getting the
fire under; but they were still working
in the smoke. and the two who should
have been most interested in the fate
OF the mill stood apart, one heaping
his anger against a daughter he had
lost, one defending the girl he would
have chosen from all others 10 be his
wife.
Not syllable had escaped Ronald;
once or twice he clenched his teeth in
silent struggle against the chain Of
events that held him down. when
every nerve thrilled with the longing
TO spring up and declare Madoline's
truth.
The falling OF some Of the blacken-
ed timbers made Lucien rush forward
10 ascertain IL any one WAS injured.
and as Clyde continued TO pace 20 and
fro, Ronald suddenly faced him, hold
ing Madeline by the hand.
The coat had fallen from her
shoulders, and with the glow OF the
burning mill lighting up her blanched
features, she looked like some pale
spirit drawn from out the gathering
mists.
In the surprise of the moment,
Clyde scarcely recognized her Since
he had last gazed upon her, she seem.
ed TO have changed from life TO death,
and hcr long hair floating round her
in the breeze, brought 10 his mind
some uncanny spir {.
Putting ont his arm he caught her
wrist ia fierce grip, jerking her to-
wards him with violence that made
her sway as though she would fall.
"Where is the man?' he exclaimed
hoarsely--"the man for whom you
have duped and deceived me?"
Ronald stepped forward, his face as
stern as his enemy's.
"You mean Ronald Castleton?" he
said. meeting Clyde's gaze steadfastly
through the gloom. HE is here; but
we can speak Of him afterwards.
First let me clear your daughter from
reproach; for your words, uttered
against such innocence as hers. are in
fanny. It is true that she was touched
TO pity at sight of "A fellow creatures
suffering; trne that when he crayed
drink, she held water 20 his famlshed
lips; true that she saved him from the
faintness Of death. She is guilty OF
nothing, except womans sweet act
of charity; the man she saved never
breathed TO her his name, and had he
not exacted a promise OF secrecy from
her. she would have gone straight 10
you with news Of the sick stranger"
There was slight pause in his
voice; then, with the same stern gravi-
", he added:
You owe your daughter an apollo
gy. Cuthbert Clyde, for the harsh
thoughts you have encouraged against
her. She is dove of spotless plume;
guard her tenderly, and let no shadow
Of reproach disturb the peace of her
life. One day." and his voice grew
softer. IL may ask You for this poor
white angel, but that will be when
shall have proved myself worthy her
faith"
Again there was silence between
them silence broken by the shouts of
the men conflicting with the bursting
flames, and by the whirr of the sparks
showering mp from the smoke.
Ronald gaZed at the dropping form,
with its veil OF loose golden hair, and
then their eyes met in mute fare
well.
Madeline stretched out her arms to-
wards him, the wondering terror that
had startled him before showing on her
wan face.
"Not yet not yet, she moaned. and
then with deep sob she sank on TO
his breast, and clasped her cold hands
about his neck.
For one brief instant Ronald strain.
ed her 20 his heart; yet as he put her
from him something in that strange
fathomlcss gaze seemed 10 draw his
soul into his eyes. lie drew her to
him again, and in silence he kissed
her quivering lips.
He felt her tremble like bird with
broken wings, and with a suffering
greater than her own he gently freed
himself from her clinging hold, and
turned away.
With a Shudder Of despair Madeline
dropped on her knees at her fathers
feet, her white dress trailing on the
chill turf, her face uplifted in forlorn
supplication.
dad. save him! | love him--I
love himw
Clyde laughed sayagely through his
closed teeth.
"I told you what sort of mercy
would show Ronald Castletonw he
muttered, trying TO free himself from